Cette dissertation est composée de trois contributions à l’intégration de modèles de choix LOGIT dans des problèmes de sélection en variables binaires, ainsi que d’un détail de l’état de l’art à l’intersection de ces deux domaines. Traditionnellement, les problèmes de décision combinatoire considèrent la demande finale comme exogène; d’un autre côté, l’étude des choix des consommateurs est un domaine qui s’est considérablement développé dans la seconde moitié du 20ème siècle, particulièrement avec ce que l’on nomme les Modèles de Choix Discrets. En conséquence, la recherche a vu se multiplier récemment l’intégration de ces modèles de choix discrets pour modéliser la demande finale dans les problèmes de décision. Le décisionnaire peut ainsi prendre en compte les préférences des consommateurs ou utilisateurs finaux ainsi que la façon dont la décision elle-même (par exemple, la conception d’un réseau) peut influencer leurs choix. Comme il est dit dans [13], il s’agit de modéliser l’interaction de l’offre et de la demande, où le domaine de la Théorie des Choix nous fournit des précisions sur la demande, tandis que le domaine de la Recherche Opérationnelle étudie l’optimisation de l’offre. Il existe quantité de modèles de choix, le plus commun et le plus simple étant la régression logistique multinomiale (MNL dans ce texte). Au chapitre 2, nous présentons brièvement les grands modèles de choix les plus utilisés ainsi que leurs hypothèses sous-jacentes. Faisons déjà la remarque qu’un problème d’optimisation intégrant le modèle de choix multinomial est de forme fractionnaire, donc a priori non-linéaire et non-convexe - deux défis dans le domaine de l’optimisation. Un autre défi que pose cette intégration est que les paramètres des modèles de choix ne sont généralement pas aisés à estimer. Dans la section qui suit, nous détaillons les contributions de chaque chapitre. Toutefois, les trois chapitres principaux ont tous comme contribution commune de modéliser un problème nouveau dans le domaine (ou à l’intersection) que nous venons de définir, et de le résoudre par une approche exacte ou une heuristique. / In this dissertation, we study the integration of logit choice models into 0-1 selection models, where a decision maker selects a subset of options (such as facility locations, elements of a network or product features) among a large choice of options. The decision maker offers this subset to her end customers, who make their own choice according to a logit model. The integration of binary variables inside fractional models leads to a computational challenge, which we tackle. The first chapter after the introduction is a literature review where we present the state of research regarding selection models including choice models. In the second chapter, we study a network selection model for healthcare payers in the context of reference pricing, including a robust optimization extension to allow for uncertainty of the choice model parameters. In the third chapter, we study the performance of the first-choice assignment model as a heuristic to solve the hard multinomial logit model. Finally, in the last chapter before the conclusion, we use a nested logit choice model instead of the classic multinomial logit for the location problem. In the nested model with two levels, options are grouped into nests and the choice is made in two steps: first the nest, then the option. As a whole, the dissertation includes contributions on the side of problem modeling, efficient exact solving or metaheuristics, theoretical insights and practitioner insights.

A study has been conducted into improving construction design through the application of the lean thinking paradigm. Its objective was to identify the issues relating to design efficiency and how a lean thinking approach might address these issues. The investigation consisted of examining work already undertaken in the field by other researchers"to identify the state of the art. The change order request system was examined to gain first insights into waste in construction design, and to gauge the size of the opportunity for the application of lean thinking. An Electronic Data Gathering Tool (EDGT) was then developed to allow further exploration of the design decision making process at the system / sub-system level. The EDGT was used on three live construction projects. From the data recorded a design planning tool, Design Decision Planner (DDP), was created to help improve control of the design process and lead to a more standardised approach to construction design. Standardising the approach to product development is an important component of lean thinking. The main recommendations for making construction design lean are: Use DDP to plan and improve control of the design decision making process, assign design responsibility and to make the process more transparent. 2. Measuring progress against planned design is a useful process metric. 3. Improve the designer's cost and programme visibility when choosing between design options. 4. Redefine the role of the quantity surveyor from cost controller to value for money assessor. The role needs to be better integrated into the design process to reach its full potential. 5. Need to develop more rigorous methods of assessing the buildability of design options. This problem could be eased in the short-term by incorporating construction professionals into the early design phases. 6. Designers need to use more process reason drivers when choosing between design options, not just functional criteria. 7. The change order request system could be redesigned to identify the root causes of contract issue design changes and, hence, improve the design decision making process.

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Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008 / The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organisational communication and infonnation flow at the SA Cultural History Museum (SACHM) and its decentralised sites with particular reference to its role in decision making and, where necessary, to recommend remedial measures. An extensive literature review was undertaken on organisational communication, infornation and decision making in organisations, with particular reference to the SACHM. The literature review facilitated the development of the research instruments, to assess best practices in terms of the identified key drivers. The research questions are: • The existence of communication practices and processes at SACHM, and • The effective dissemination of information necessary for effective decision making. The statistical results of the empirical study reveal conclusively that the organisational communication, information dissemination and decision making at the SACHM was indeed ineffective. The results indicate the following: • The lack of adherence to shared values and common purpose between managers and staff regarding equity, lack of participation in decision-making, lack of service delivery to local, regional and national communities, lack of mutual respect, lack of dedication, lack of a people centered approach, and finally a lack of interpersonal communication and negotiation; • The lack of application of basic communication fundamentals namely the bottom-up and top-down approaches; • The lack of access to timeous and accurate information to make effective decisions; and • The non-existence of communication processes and practices. Dysfunctional organisational communication and inadequate information flow to both employees and managers, has been identified as having an impact on effective decision making. Arising from the findings of the research, a communication audit is recommended to facilitate the establishment of an effective communication and information framework for the museum.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008 / The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organisational communication and infonnation flow at the SA Cultural History Museum (SACHM) and its decentralised sites with particular reference to its role in decision making and, where necessary, to recommend remedial measures. An extensive literature review was undertaken on organisational communication, infonnation and decision making in organisations, with particular reference to the SACHM. The literature review facilitated the development of the research instruments, to assess best practices in terms ofthe identified key drivers. The research questions are: • The existence ofcommunication practices and processes at SACHM, and • The effective dissemination ofinfonnation necessary for effective decision making. The statistical results of the empirical study reveal conclusively that the organisational communication, infonnation dissemination and decision making at the SACHM was indeed ineffective. The results indicate the following: • The lack ofadherence to shared values and common purpose between managers and staff regarding equity, lack ofparticipation in decision-making, lack ofservice delivery to local, regional and national communities, lack of mutual respect, lack ofdedication, lack ofa people centered approach, and finally a lack ofintezpersonal communication and negotiation; • The lack ofapplication ofbasic communication fundamentals namely the bottom-up and top-down approaches; • The lack ofaccess to timeous and accurate information to make effective decisions; and • The non-existence ofcommunication processes and practices. Dysfunctional organisational communication and inadequate information flow to both employees and managers, has been identified as having an impact on effective decision making. Arising from the findings of the research, a communication audit is recommended to facilitate the establishment ofan effective communication and information framework for the museum.

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This research utilises existing problem solving and decision making theories to explain the complex organisational process by which Royal Mail revises Postal Officers' walks in mail delivery. A field study in the RM demonstrates that this is a complex task involving a political / negotiation process comprising many stakeholders with different agendas. Two conclusions are drawn. First, a pluralistic model of decision making is required to explain this process. Second, the model that guides the RM is a rational / optimal decision making model. The RM has employed computer-based systems to support the revision process. Case studies are reported of the revision processes undertaken with and without computer aids. These demonstrate that the existing computer system provides limited assistance and its use is sporadic. A new Walk Optimisation system was being considered for purchase and development and the thesis follows the processes employed. Three conclusions were drawn. First, the development process for the new system utilised a technical agenda similar to the rational model of decision making. Second, by reference to the case study material, it was likely the new system would have organisational implications which could lead to dysfunction. Third the current development process being followed would not address these issues. In the final part of the thesis a series of Future Implementation Scenario workshops are described which attempted to assist the RM staff in identifying the organisational implications of the WO system before it was implemented. The scenario exercise explored three characteristics of participants; knowledge of the stakeholder roles affected, knowledge of the RM, and knowledge of the WO system. The workshops succeeded in revealing many organisational issues which need addressing if the new system is to improve decision making in the Revision Process. Contrary to expectations the greater knowledge of participants did not translate into a richer analysis of the implications. The thesis concludes that a full understanding of organisational decision making requires the integration of rational, bounded and social / political approaches, and that this also applies to systems design process. It also concludes that the models and methods used within organisations need to be broadened and recognise the social / organisational agenda but that the methods currently available are difficult to apply. Funhennore, by continuing with a rational / technological approach to decision making, organisations limit their future decision making options and the process is, therefore, self-perpetuating.

M.Comm. / The overall goal of this short dissertation is to investigate the influence of Facebook on the consumer decision-making process of students at a comprehensive university. The five phases of the consumer decision-making process will be at the core of this study; (1) Problem recognition, (2) Information search, (3) Evaluation of alternatives, (4) Purchase, (5) Post-purchase. Included in the study is the profile of consumers who use Facebook, the general trends surfacing from the use of online activities, an investigation into each of the five phases mentioned that contribute to the influence Facebook exerts. And ultimately, indicating that Facebook has various degrees of influence or no influence on the different phases in the consumer-decision making process. This study, through a self administered drop-off questionnaire whose valid respondents (total of 325 respondents), provided information about the respondents‟ demographic profile, online activities and behaviour along the five phase consumer decision-making process. As the topic of this study was about the usage of Facebook, the sample set qualifier was that having a Facebook profile was a prerequisite. The statistical techniques used in the study were based on descriptive analysis which enabled the analysis of the data with regard to the relationship of the variables whereby the data was easily summarised and understood. The other statistical technique used was factor analysis whereby the reliability and validity of the data was verified and further relationships between the variables were examined. The findings indicate that respondents exhibited actions influenced by Facebook in the first two phases of the decision making process (Problem recognition and Information search), than was evident in the remaining three phases. This framework provides the basis for further investigation into the influence of Facebook in the areas of problem recognition and information search and provides the opportunity for marketers to position themselves in a way that will address the two phases by being present on the Facebook platform.

Please read the abstract in the section, 00front, of this document / Thesis (PhD (Information Technology))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Informatics / PhD / unrestricted